Variable Valve Timing, (VVT), manipulates the valve timing to operate the engine in the most efficient manner for the situation. For instance, by closing the intake valve later, the engine has to do less 'pumping' as the piston travels down on the intake stroke. Optimized exhaust valve timing allows more of the combustion energy to be transferred to the crankshaft, rather than simply ejected as heat.
Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) in on board as well- saving fuel through cylinder de-activation when full power isn't needed. Chrysler engineers estimate that MDS has saved about 100 million litres of fuel since hitting the road in 2005. For 2009, MDS has a wider operating range and an indicator light in the information display to tell drivers when it's engaged.
All said and done, fuel savings are in the neighborhood of 4 percent- respectable considering the extra power. Thing is, I was left wondering just how much more fuel-efficient he HEMI engine could be made. Is the new one as good on gas as it can ever be? Is there some technology or system that a gas engine can employ to save significantly more fuel, but that isn't affordable yet?
Chrysler's team says that they're reviewing technologies that can improve fuel efficiency of current engines by another 10 to 15%. Trouble is, they're very expensive and need to be introduced in low volumes to gage customer response. A technology that can save $1,000 worth of fuel won't sell if it costs $2,500.
That said, will the world ever see gasoline-powered full-size trucks get 50 miles per gallon? Or is some mathematical minimum amount of fuel needed to make a full-sized truck move?
Chryler's engineers say that there is a theoretical limit for fuel consumption in a full size pickup with attributes similar to those sold today- and that it's considerably less than 50MPG. Not to say that it's impossible- but the vehicle would need to be considerably lighter, far more aerodynamic and offer a huge reduction in rolling resistance, as a start. These attributes would come at the cost of strength, size and traction, which are vital for a pickup.
It was an interesting question nonetheless, but it still looks like today's consumer will have to take their fuel-savings a few percent at a time. The 2009 Ram HEMI goes on sale later this year.
photo:Chrysler
Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) in on board as well- saving fuel through cylinder de-activation when full power isn't needed. Chrysler engineers estimate that MDS has saved about 100 million litres of fuel since hitting the road in 2005. For 2009, MDS has a wider operating range and an indicator light in the information display to tell drivers when it's engaged.
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All said and done, fuel savings are in the neighborhood of 4 percent- respectable considering the extra power. Thing is, I was left wondering just how much more fuel-efficient he HEMI engine could be made. Is the new one as good on gas as it can ever be? Is there some technology or system that a gas engine can employ to save significantly more fuel, but that isn't affordable yet?
Chrysler's team says that they're reviewing technologies that can improve fuel efficiency of current engines by another 10 to 15%. Trouble is, they're very expensive and need to be introduced in low volumes to gage customer response. A technology that can save $1,000 worth of fuel won't sell if it costs $2,500.
That said, will the world ever see gasoline-powered full-size trucks get 50 miles per gallon? Or is some mathematical minimum amount of fuel needed to make a full-sized truck move?
Chryler's engineers say that there is a theoretical limit for fuel consumption in a full size pickup with attributes similar to those sold today- and that it's considerably less than 50MPG. Not to say that it's impossible- but the vehicle would need to be considerably lighter, far more aerodynamic and offer a huge reduction in rolling resistance, as a start. These attributes would come at the cost of strength, size and traction, which are vital for a pickup.
It was an interesting question nonetheless, but it still looks like today's consumer will have to take their fuel-savings a few percent at a time. The 2009 Ram HEMI goes on sale later this year.
photo:Chrysler